Cooking your own food tends to be cheaper and healthier than buying prepared food, but cooking becomes complicated in the summer. Many student apartments do not have air conditioning, and using the oven or stovetop can heat up small kitchens quickly. To get around this problem, here is a collection of recipes for breakfast, dinner, dessert, and everything in between, requiring no heat.
1. Overnight Oats
Photo by Kassie McIntyre
The superhero of college breakfasts, overnight oats are cheap, easy, tasty, versatile, and quick. Check out the vast array of Spoon recipes here.
2. Yogurt Parfait
Photo by Maggie Harriman
The hardest part of making a yogurt parfait is choosing what to top it with. Strive for balance with fruit, nuts, seeds, and maybe even homemade granola.
3. Smoothies
Photo by Christin Urso
Although they are traditionally seen as breakfast foods or snacks, college students are 100% allowed to make a smoothie and call it dinner.
4. Black Bean and Mango Salad
Photo by Rose Gerber
This black bean and mango salad tastes like summer in a bowl and is a balanced meal, so you don’t have to feel guilty about spending only 10 minutes on dinner.
5. Tuna Tartare
Photo by Julia Murphy
One way to avoid cooking is being brave enough to eat raw fish. Try it out with this easy tuna tartare.
6. Watermelon, Mint, and Feta Summer Salad
Photo by Libby Perold
Turn your watermelon into a complete meal (by college standards) with some feta and fresh herbs. Instagram it to show everyone you’re classy af.
7. Breadless Tuna Salad in an Avocado Bowl
Photo by Jocelyn Hsu
Using no heat and minimal dishes, this 3-ingredient tuna salad is the ideal college snack.
8. Arugula Parmesan Salad
Photo by Mackenzie Barth
Get your daily greens (and cheese) in with this arugula parmesan salad.
9. Mason Jar Burrito Bowl
Photo by Grant Sorbo
This Chipotle-esque mason jar burrito bowl can easily be made into a salad or actual burrito, no cooking required. Use chicken that’s already been cooked or leave it out for a completely heat-free meal.
10. Tomato and Avocado Summer Salad
Photo by Pippa Leigh
Maximize your daily veggie intake with this refreshing chopped salad.
11. Avocado Chicken Salad
Photo by Paige Pulaski
Desperate times call for desperate measures (canned chicken). Dress it up with almonds, avocado, and grapes. Or, make a more basic version.
12. Waldorf Salad
Photo by Tess van Donkelaar
All this Waldorf salad requires is chopping and mixing. Perfect for busy, hot days.
13. Caprese
Photo by Bernard Wen
Basil, tomato, mozz, balsamic. What else do you need? Eat it as a salad, as a wrap, or throw in some strawberries.
14. Gazpacho
Photo by Amanda Shulman
It’s like a smoothie but vegetables. Keep your cool with this blended soup.
15. “Raw” Pad Thai
Photo by Tess van Donkelaar
It’s a lot of slicing and dicing, but this “raw” Pad Thai recipe involves zero heat.
16. Hummus
Photo by Kendra Valkema
Hummus is way more than just a dip. Sure, you can eat it with vegetables and chips, but you can also put it on sandwiches, wraps, and salads for a yummy protein boost. Basic recipe here.
17. Guacamole
Photo by Hannah Cooper
Whip up some traditional guacamole, throw in mango for a twist, or even mix it with hummus. Eat it with chips as a snack, or not.
18. Smoked Salmon Dip
Photo by Margaret Block
If you’re entertaining or just feeling bougie, throw together some of this smoked salmon dip in no time flat.
19. Cannellini Bean Dip
Photo by Andrea Leelike
If you’re stuck in a hummus rut (if that’s even a thing), try out this cannellini bean dip instead.
20. Banana Ice Cream
Photo by Amanda Shulman
Looking for a healthy cold dessert? Banana ice cream is super easy to whip up. Don’t forget the toppings!
21. Mango Ice Cream
Photo by Amelia Weller
If you’re not a huge fan of bananas, try this homemade mango ice cream instead.